How to Activate DEWA (Electricity & Water) — Step-by-Step 2025 Guide

When you move into a new home in Dubai, **activating DEWA** (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) is one of the very first administrative steps.  

Without DEWA, you have no electricity, no water, and no cooling in most buildings.

The good news?  

DEWA activation is **fast, online, and simple** even if you’re new in Dubai.  

This guide explains everything in a human, step-by-step way:

– what documents you need  

– how to activate online  

– deposits and fees  

– cancellation at move-out  

– common mistakes to avoid  

1. What Is DEWA?

DEWA provides:

– electricity  

– water  

– cooling (in some buildings through chiller-free systems)  

You cannot move into your new apartment or villa without activating DEWA.

2. Documents Needed to Activate DEWA

You will need:

– Emirates ID (or application paper if still in process)  

– Passport copy  

– Ejari contract (mandatory)  

– Your DEWA premise number (found on building entrance or included in Ejari)  

– Email + phone number  

Tip: Double-check the contract start date before activation.

3. How to Activate DEWA (Step-by-Step 2025)

Step 1 — Go to DEWA Website or App  

Website: dewa.gov.ae  

Or use the DEWA Smart App.

Step 2 — Create Your DEWA Account  

You only need:  

– Emirates ID  

– Email  

– Mobile number  

Step 3 — Select “Move-In Service”  

This starts your DEWA activation request.

Step 4 — Upload Required Documents  

– Ejari  

– Emirates ID  

– Passport copy  

Step 5 — Pay the Deposit  

Required for all new tenants:

– Apartments: **2,000 AED** refundable  

– Villas: **4,000 AED** refundable  

Step 6 — Pay Activation Fee  

– Activation fee: **130 AED**  

– Registration fee: **10 AED**  

Step 7 — Wait for Activation  

Activation typically takes **1 to 6 hours**.  

You will receive an SMS confirmation.

In some cases, a DEWA technician may visit to check the meter.

4. Understanding Deposits & Refunds

Deposits:

– 2,000 AED for apartments  

– 4,000 AED for villas  

Refund Process:

When you move out:

1. Submit DEWA move-out request  

2. Provide IBAN for refund  

3. Deposit refunded within **5–7 business days**  

If you pay with a UAE card, refund goes back to the same card.

5. What Are “Chiller Fees”?

Some buildings include **free cooling**, which means AC is not charged via DEWA.  

Others require separate payment to:

– Empower  

– Emicool  

– Palm District Cooling  

Always check this before renting.

6. DEWA Move-Out (Cancellation Process)

When leaving your property:

Step 1 — Go to DEWA Smart App  

Select **“Move-Out Service”**.

Step 2 — Choose Final Bill Date  

You can choose today or a future date.

Step 3 — Provide Forwarding Address  

Optional, for final bill delivery.

Step 4 — Receive Final Bill  

Usually within 24–48 hours.

Step 5 — Receive Deposit Refund  

Via bank transfer or card.

7. DEWA Final Bill Explained

Your final bill includes:

– electricity consumption  

– water consumption  

– sewerage fee  

– housing fee (chiller-free buildings only)  

If you overpaid, the difference is refunded.

8. Smart Tips for New Expats

– Activate DEWA **1 day before move-in**  

– Keep all receipts (deposit + activation)  

– Check meter reading before moving in  

– Take photos of any previous damage  

– Verify if AC is chiller-free  

9. Common Problems & Solutions

Ejari not recognized  

→ Wait 1–3 hours; sometimes it needs time to sync.

Wrong DEWA premise number  

→ Ask your agent or check building entrance.

No water or electricity  

→ Sometimes technician activation required — usually same day.

Conclusion

Activating DEWA is fast, simple, and essential when you move to Dubai.  

Once you have your Ejari and Emirates ID, the process takes less than 10 minutes online with utilities activated the same day.